Portable screen device

ABSTRACT

A portable screen assembly includes a casing having an opening extending in a longitudinal direction on the upper surface thereof and formed by a first and second case members that extend in the of longitudinal direction and are separable from each other, a spring-biased roll rotatably mounted to the casing, a screen wound around the spring-biased roll in storage and pulled out from the opening in use, a top bar fixed to one end of the screen and used also as a cover body to close the opening in storage, and an extendable column having one end erectably pivoted at a center part of the side face of the casing and, in an erected state, holding the pulled out screen in a stretched state. Thus, the portable screen assembly having reduced size and weight, capable of being easily handled and formed in a simple structure can be provided.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to a screen for displaying, on an enlarged scale, an image projected by a projecting device such as a projector, and in particular but not exclusively to a portable screen assembly that is easy to carry and can be installed at an optional location such as, for example, on a floor, a table or the like.

2. Description of the Related Art

An image projected by a projector or, in some cases, a projection TV set is generally displayed, on an enlarged scale, on a reflection type screen or on a transmission type screen. Of such screens, some are generally accommodated in a housing mounted on a ceiling or a side wall, and are electrically or manually extended as occasion demands. Hanging screens or screens with a tripod are used by hanging or locating them at a desired place.

Recently, the number of meeting or conference increases in companies or offices and there is an increasing demand for a portable screen assembly of a simple structure that is easy to carry with a projector and can be installed on a floor, a desk or a table in a conference room to display an image projected by the projector. To this demand, portable screen assemblies are today available in which a screen is wound around a roll stored in a housing. When such screen assemblies are in use, the housing is initially installed at a desired place, and the screen is subsequently extended by, for example, an extension means somewhat similar to a pantograph by the action of the biasing force of a spring mounted therein, or the screen is fastened to a column attached to the housing (for example, refer to JP Laid-open Utility Model Publication No. 6-36048).

On the other hand, also in a home, there is an increasing demand for a portable screen assembly for home use through the spread of a projector for projecting a TV picture.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

However, the portable screen assembly for home use is required to be small and light in weight so that a woman or a child can carry easily. Further, a simple structure which can be easily stored in and pulled out from a housing is also required.

Further, when mounting the spring-biased roll to the casing, the spring-biased roll has to be inserted into the casing from one side thereof, because the conventional casing is integrally formed. Therefore, there is a problem that the spring-biased roll is not accurately set up at a proper position, and this tends to cause the spring-biased roll and the casing to be damaged when inserting the spring-biased roll into the casing. Further, the casing should be made thick in order to keep the mechanical intensity of the casing, and this causes a problem that the weight of the casing cannot be reduced.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention was made in view of such requirements and problems and is intended to provide a portable screen assembly which can be readily transported together with a projector and is easy to handle and simple in construction.

In order to solve the above-described problem, a portable screen assembly of the present invention comprises a casing having an opening extending in a longitudinal direction on the upper surface thereof and formed by a first and second case members that extend in the longitudinal direction and are separable from each other; a spring-biased roll rotatably mounting to the casing; a screen wound around the spring-biased roll when in storage and pulled out from the opening when in use; a top bar secured to one end of the screen and used also as a cover to close the opening when in storage; and an extendable column having one end supported at a center portion of the side face of the casing and holding the pulled out screen in a stretched state.

In addition, according to the portable screen assembly of the present invention, one end of the column may be erectably pivoted at a center portion of the side face of the casing so as to be capable of standing and, in an erected state, the column can hold the pulled out screen in a stretched state.

Further, according to the portable screen assembly of the present invention, the casing may include the first casing member and the second casing member extending in a longitudinal direction, wherein one ends of the first and second case members in a width direction are connected to each other, and the other ends thereof in the width direction are separately arranged from each other so as to form the opening.

Further, according to the portable screen assembly of the present invention, a handle may be mounted to the center portion of the top bar, and a hook may be mounted to the front end of the column for hooking the handle to the hook. Further, the hook may be horizontally rotatably mounted to the front end of the column, and when in laying the column down at a storage position, the hook may be rotated so that the column is disposed adjacent to the casing.

Further, according to the portable screen assembly of the present invention, a locking mechanism may be employed in order to fix the top bar to the casing when in storage. The locking mechanism may be composed of an engaging portion disposed on the top bar and an engaged portion disposed on the casing and engaged with the engaging portion. Further, the engaging portion may include a pair of engaging members oppositely disposed in the width direction of the top bar, and the engaged portion includes a pair of engaged members disposed at the opposed opening edges of the casing, respectively, thereby being engaged with the engaging members. Further, each of the engaging members may be rotatably connected to the engaging portion, and also may include an engaging end provided at one end and engaged with the above engaged portion and a control portion provided at the other end and controlling the engagement and release of the engaging end. The engagement of the engaging end with the engaged portion may be released by rotating a pair of control portions oppositely disposed in an approaching direction, and the engaging end may be engaged with the engaged portion by rotating the pair of control portions in a separating direction. Further, a spring member may be provided in the engaging portion so that a biasing force of the spring member causes the engaging end to be pressed against the engaged portion.

Further, a rotatable locking mechanism may be also provided on the engaging portion of the locking mechanism to prevent the control portions from moving closely to each other upon engagement. The rotatable locking mechanism may be composed of a lock member fitted into an engaging portion so as to be capable of rotating between a lock position and a release position. The rotatable locking mechanism can prevent the control portions from moving closely to each other by abutting each of the opposite ends of the head of the lock member against each control portion at the lock position, and allows the control portions to move closely to each other by releasing abutting of the opposite ends and each control portion at the release position. In addition, according to the portable screen assembly of the present invention, the column may be composed of a plurality of telescopic pipes, which is slid each other and slidably extended, and a slide locking mechanism in which the pipe of the lower level locks the slide movement of the pipe of the upper level that is slidably extended, and thereby to maintain the column at a desired height.

The slide locking mechanism may include a first slide locking mechanism in which a first pipe located at the lowest level engages with a second pipe located at the upper level of the first pipe. The first slide locking mechanism may be composed of a tubular engaging portion and a tubular engaged portion. The tubular engaging portion has an engaging member and a base portion to support the engaging member, and is fitted on the outer circumferential face at the front end of the pipe at the lower level. The tubular engaged portion may be composed of at least one through hole disposed in a longitudinal direction of the pipe at the upper level, supporting the pipe at the upper level by being engaged with the engaging member in a stretched state. The engaging member may include a projection portion provided at one end and engaged with the through hole and a control portion provided at the other end and controlling engagement and release of the projection portion with and from the through hole. A engaging member may be rotatably supported with the base portion in the axial direction of the pipe. When in pressing the control portion in the direction of the pipe, the engagement between the projection portion and the through hole is released, and stopping press of the control portion, the projection portion is thereby engaged with the through hole. Further, a second slide locking mechanism may be provided to lock the slide of the pipe at the further front side from the second pipe. The second slide locking mechanism may comprise a pipe engaging portion disposed on the inner circumferential face at the rear end of the pipe at the upper level and a pipe engaged portion comprising a plurality of through holes formed in the longitudinal direction of the pipe at the lower level and engaging with the pipe engaging portion. In addition, a spring member may also be provided so that a biasing force of the spring member causes the projection portion to be pressed against the through hole upon engagement.

Further, a control portion locking mechanism may be provided in the above first slide lock for keeping the pressed state of the control portion and keeping the released state of the engagement between the projection portion and the through hole. In addition, the control portion locking mechanism may comprise an engaging groove disposed at the base portion and an engaging pin disposed on the engaging member; and when pressing the control portion in a direction of a pipe, the engaging pin may be engaged in the engaging groove. In addition, a projection portion locking mechanism may be provided at the front end of the pipe at the front end side, guiding the projection portion to be engaged with the through hole by being engaged with the projection portion of the released state and keeping the engagement between the projection portion and the through hole. Further, a slide locking mechanism may be provided at the pipe disposed on the lowest level of the column.

In addition, the slide locking mechanism may also be configured by a pipe engaging portion arranged in a concave portion of a slidable member fitted on the inner circumferential face of the rear end portion of the pipe at the upper level of the front end side, and a tubular engaged portion that is configured by at least one through hole fitted in a longitudinal direction of the pipe at the lower level to engage the pipe at the upper level upon expansion by being engaged with the above engaging portion. Further, the tubular engaging portion may be configured by an engaging member having a projection portion for engaging with the through hole at its one end, and a spring member that biases the projection portion of the engaging member toward the side of the through hole with its one end being fitted to the concave portion of the slidable member and its other end being fitted to the other end of the engaging member.

In addition, the slide locking mechanism may also be configured by the pipe engaging portion disposed in the concave portion of the slidable member fitted on the inner circumferential face of the rear end portion of the pipe at the upper level of the front end side, and a tubular engaged portion that is configured by one continued peripheral groove provided in a longitudinal direction of the inner face of the pipe at the lower level. In this case, the peripheral groove is constructed by an approach route groove having a plurality of fastening portions for regulating the movement of the pipe disposed at the upper level in a contraction direction by being engaged with the pipe engaging portion upon extension, and a return groove for allowing the movement of the pipe disposed at the upper level into the contraction direction by releasing the engagement with the pipe engaging portion upon contraction. Further, the pipe engaging portion can be constructed by an engaging member having one end loosely fitted in the concave portion of the slidable member and the other end having a projection portion engaged with a fastening member and capable of sliding using this one end as a support point, and a spring member that biases the projection portion of the engaging member toward the fastening portion with its one end being fitted to the concave portion of the slidable member and its other end being fitted to this one end of the engaging member.

According to the present invention, since the casing is composed of two detachable case members, the casing can be assembled by coupling the second case member with the first case member having the spring-biased roll fitted thereto. Thereby, without damaging the spring-biased roll and the casing upon assemble of the screen assembly, the accurate positioning of the spring-biased roll can be made. In addition, the case member may be thinned without decreasing the mechanical intensity of the casing by coupling two case members into one unit, so that the screen assembly may be more reduced in weight and the screen assembly may be easily handled. In addition, maintenance such as exchange of a screen or the like can be easily carried out. Further, since the top bar is used also as the cover body of the casing, the cover body is not needed and this enables the screen assembly to be more reduced in weight.

In addition, the column may be formed integrally with the casing and also in erectable structure. Thereby, laying the column down upon storage, the screen assembly can be made more compact and easily carried. Further, when in use, the column is erected and extended to a desired height, and then the screen is extended. When in storage, the column is contracted and laid down, whereupon the screen is wound, and then the opening is closed by the top bar. Therefore, this screen assembly can be easily handled.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a portable screen assembly according to a first embodiment of the present invention in use;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the portable screen assembly of FIG. 1, shown in the state that a screen is wound;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the portable screen assembly of FIG. 1, shown in the stored state;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged top view of a locking mechanism shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a longitudinal sectional view taken along the line of a V-V in FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 is a longitudinal sectional view taken along the line of a VI-VI in FIG. 3;

FIG. 7 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a slide locking mechanism used for the portable screen assembly shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view showing a hook portion used for the portable screen assembly shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing a portable screen assembly according to a second embodiment of the present invention, shown in the state that a screen is turned back;

FIG. 10A is a side view showing an engaging member used for a first slide locking mechanism of the portable screen assembly shown in FIG. 9;

FIG. 10B is a front view showing an engaging member used for a first slide locking mechanism of the portable screen assembly shown in FIG. 9;

FIG. 11A is a top view showing a base portion used for the first slide locking mechanism of the portable screen assembly shown in FIG. 9;

FIG. 11B is a front view showing a base portion used for the first slide locking mechanism of the portable screen assembly shown in FIG. 9;

FIG. 11C is a side view showing a base portion used for the first slide locking mechanism of the portable screen assembly shown in FIG. 9;

FIG. 12 is a longitudinal sectional view (1) showing the expansion and contraction operation of a column of the portable screen assembly shown in FIG. 9;

FIG. 13 is a longitudinal sectional view (2) showing the expansion and contraction operation of a column of the portable screen assembly shown in FIG. 9;

FIG. 14 is a longitudinal sectional view (3) showing the expansion and contraction operation of a column of the portable screen assembly shown in FIG. 9;

FIG. 15 is a longitudinal sectional view (4) showing the expansion and contraction operation of a column of the portable screen assembly shown in FIG. 9;

FIG. 16 is a longitudinal sectional view (5) showing the expansion and contraction operation of a column of the portable screen assembly shown in FIG. 9;

FIG. 17 is a perspective view showing a portable screen assembly according to a third embodiment of the present invention, shown in the state that a screen is turned back;

FIG. 18 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a second slide locking mechanism used for the portable screen assembly shown in FIG. 17;

FIG. 19 is an exploded perspective view showing a modified example of the hook portion used for the portable screen assembly shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 20 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a first modified example of the slide locking mechanism shown in FIG. 7;

FIG. 21 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a second modified example of the slide locking mechanism shown in FIG. 7;

FIG. 22 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a third modified example of the slide locking mechanism shown in FIG. 7;

FIG. 23 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a fourth modified example of the slide locking mechanism shown in FIG. 7;

FIG. 24 is a development view showing a peripheral groove used for the forth modified example shown in FIG. 23;

FIG. 25 is a perspective view showing the portable screen assembly having a first modified example of the locking mechanism shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 26 is a perspective view showing the portable screen assembly having a second modified example of the locking mechanism shown in FIG. 3; and

FIG. 27 is a perspective view showing the portable screen assembly having a third modified example of the locking mechanism shown in FIG. 3.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The embodiment(s) of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

First Embodiment

FIG. 1 illustrates a portable screen assembly according to the first embodiment of the invention during use thereof. A portable screen assembly P1 includes a casing 1, a spring-biased roll mounted in the casing (not illustrated), a screen 4 pulled out from an opening portion 1 c and extended between a top bar 5 and the spring-biased roll, and a column 6 constructed approximately at the center of the casing 1 and maintains the screen 4 at a desired height. The column 6 is configured by two stages of tubular bodies 6a and 6b which are supported by a column fitting member 25 attached approximately at the center of the casing 1 and can be slidably extended and contracted, and the column 6 is maintained at a desired height by a slide locking mechanism 30. In addition, the column 6 has a hook portion 7A horizontally rotatably attached at the center of the column. The screen 4 is suspended by hooking a handle 24 for carrying at the hook portion 7A, the handle disposed at the centre of the top bar 5 and also used as an engaging member. In addition, a reference numeral 9 denotes an engaging portion to configure a locking mechanism for fixing the top bar 5 at the casing 1, and in storage, the engaging portion 9 is engaged with an engaged portion (not illustrated) disposed in the casing 1. In addition, the screen assembly P1 is supported by a pair of legs 3 pulled out from the bottom of the casing 1 so that the screen assembly can stand in an erected state.

FIG. 2 illustrates an example of the structure of a portable screen P1 with the screen 4 turned back for storage. The screen 4 is released from the engagement with the hook portion 7A, and then turned back to be housed in the casing 1. The top bar 5 closes the opening of the casing 1 as a cover body. FIG. 3 illustrates an example of the structure of the portable screen P in storage. In the drawing, the column 6 is rotated around the lower end that is pivoted at the column fitting member 25 to be felled. Thereby, the column 6 is stored with the entire column being in parallel with the casing 1. Further, a reference numeral 26 denotes a protection member for the casing (to be described later).

FIG. 4 is a partial enlarged view of the center portion of the screen assembly P1 in storage. The locking mechanism has the engaging portion 9 attached on the upper face of the top bar 5, and an engaged portion (not illustrated) disposed at the side of the casing 1 and engaged with the engaging portion 9. The engaging portion 9 has a supporting portion 14 and a pair of engaging members 11 and 12 oppositely disposed on the supporting portion 14 so as to move closely or separate from each other in a circumferential direction of the top bar 5, and a locking mechanism 13 of a control portion is provided between the pair of engaging members for preventing the engaging members from moving closely upon engagement.

FIG. 5 is a longitudinal sectional view taken along the line of V-V of FIG. 4. As shown in FIG. 5, the casing 1 includes a first case member 1 a and a second case member 1 b extending in a longitudinal direction. One ends in the longitudinal direction of these two case members are hingedly coupled to each other at one side of the casing so as to be capable of being opened and closed, and the other ends thereof are separated from each other to form a space 1 c for pulling out the screen. In this case, the first case member la disposed on the front face at the side of the projector is formed in a curved structure extending to the side of the projector and the second base member 1 b disposed on the rear face is formed with its section made into a L-shape. Thereby, it is possible to store the spring-biased roll 2 on which the screen 4 is wound in the casing 1 and also to make the width of the opening 1 c narrow, thereby to reduce the size of the casing 1. Further, an aluminum extruded material can be used as the casing member.

On the rear face of the casing 1, the column fitting member 25 is fitted for pivoting the column 6. On the contrary, on the front face of the casing 1, the protection member 26 is fitted so as to be firmly attached to the casing 1 and extended to the bottom of the casing 1. In this case, one end of the protection member 26 is fastened at the bottom of the casing 1 by rivets 28 and 29, and the other end thereof is fastened by the rivet 27 to be fixed. Then, the column fitting member 25 and the protection member 26 are fitted with each other to be fixed. Further, the protection member 26 has an advantage that it can prevent the first case member 1 a from being further curved to the side of the projector by the load of the top bar and being deformed. It is preferable to use a cover made of a lightweight resin with a high elasticity as the protection member.

The locking mechanism 8 includes the engaging portion 9 and the engaged portion 10. Further, the engaging portion 9 includes a pair of engaging portions, namely, a first engaging portion 11 and a second engaging portion 12. The first engaging portion 11 and the second engaging portion 12 include a first engaging member 11 a and a second engaging member 12 a, respectively. A first engaging member 11 a and a second engaging member 12 a are oppositely disposed in the width direction of the top bar 5 and also pivoted at a base portion 14 so as to rotate in a space that is vertical to the longitudinal direction of the top bar. Further, the engaging members 11 a and 12 a include engaging end portions 111 a and 121 a engaged with the engaged portion 10 at their respective certain ends, and also include control portions 112 a and 122 a for controlling the engagement and release of the engaging end portions 111 a and 121 a at their respective other ends. FIG. 5 illustrates an example that engaging nails are used as the engaging end portions 111 a and 121 a and also convex shaped handle portions are used as the control portions 112 a and 122 a.

On the contrary, the engaging portion 10 includes a pair of engaged members 15 and 16. The engaged members 15 and 16 are disposed at the edge of the opening of the case member 1 b and the case member 1 a, respectively, to be engaged with the above-mentioned engaging nails.

In addition, respective engaged portions of the first engaging portion 11 and the second engaging portion 12 are engaged with the base portion at certain ends thereof, and they have a first spring member 11 b and a second spring member 12 b engaged with the engaging member at the other ends thereof These spring members constantly bias the control portion 112 a and 122 a at the certain ends of the engaging members in a direction that they are separated from each other and press the engaging ends at the other ends in a direction of the top bar.

Further, FIG. 5 shows the case that the engaged members 15 and 16 are formed integrally with the column fitting member 25 and the protection member 26, respectively. However, the engaged members 15 and 16 may be formed to be separated from the column fitting member 25 and the protection member 26.

As shown in FIG. 5, in engagement of the locking mechanism, the engaging end portions 111 a and 121 a are engaged with the engaged members 15 and 16, respectively. In order to release the engagement between the engaging end portion and the engaged member, the control portion 112 a and 122 a are pressed against the bias force of the spring member in a direction to bring them into close to each other. Thereby, the first engaging member 11 a and the second engaging member 12 a are rotated in a direction that the engaging end portions 111 a and 121 a are separated from the engaged members 15 and 16, releasing the engagement between the engaging end portion and the engaged member. On the other hand, in order to engage the engaging end portion with the engaged member, when in closing the opening of the casing by the top bar, the engaging portion is pressed downward so as to engage the engaged member with the engaging end portion. Due to the bias force of the spring member, the engaging end portion is engaged with the engaged member by contacting with pressure.

In addition, the lock member 13 configuring the locking mechanism of the control portion is disposed on the upper face of the base portion 14. The locking mechanism of the control portion serves as a mechanism to prevent the false operation of the locking mechanism. For example, in the case of carrying the stored screen assembly, when gripping the handle, pressing the control portions in a direction that they are brought into close to each other by mistake, the top bar may project out from the casing. The locking mechanism of the control portion can prevent the locking mechanism from being released by preventing the control portions from moving when in the engaging state.

The lock member 13 is rotatably fitted to the base portion 14 so as to rotate between the lock position and the release position, and when the locking mechanism is in the engaging state, the lock member 13 is located at a locked position shown in FIG. 5. At this locked position, abutting the opposite end portions at the head of the lock member 13 against respective control portions 112 a and 122 a, the approach of the control portions is prevented. On the other hand, at the release position, rotating the lock member so as to release abutting between the opposite end portions and respective control portions, the control portions can move closely to each other. Thereby, at the release position, releasing the locking mechanism, the screen can be pulled out by releasing the top bar from the casing.

FIG. 6 is a longitudinal sectional view taken along the line of VI-VI of FIG. 4 and shows the structure of a positioning mechanism 17 for accurately positioning the engaging portion and the engaged portion of the locking mechanism. The positioning mechanism 17 includes a guide portion 18 formed at the opening edge of the casing so as to be aligned with the engaged portion, and a guided portion 19 that is formed at the base portion 14 of the locking mechanism and can be loosely fitted to the guide portion 18 with each other. The guide portion 18 includes a pair of projected edge portions 20 and 21 disposed at the opening edge to which the casing is opposed. Each projected edge portion may be formed by at least one projection portion, however, it is preferable that two and more projection portions are disposed at the opposite sides of the engaged member. On the other hand, the guided portion 19 includes guide grooves 22 and 23 formed at the front face side and the rear face side of the base portion 14.

When closing the opening of the casing with the top bar, inserting the guided portion into the guide portion, the top bar is positioned at the opening portion to be fixed there. Thereby, the engaging position of the engaging portion and the engaged portion of the locking mechanism is not misaligned, so that the top bar can be easily locked. Further, according to the present embodiment, the example that the guide groove is used as the guided portion and the projected edge is used as the guide portion is described, however, the projected edge may be used as the projected edge and the guide groove may be used as the guide portion.

As shown in FIG. 7, the first slide locking mechanism 30 has a tubular engaging portion 31 that is fitted to the outer circumferential face at the front end of the first pipe 6 a disposed at the lower level and has an engaging member for a pipe 32, and a tubular engaged portion 61 b which includes at least one through hole disposed in a longitudinal direction of the second pipe 6 b at the upper level and is engaged with the engaging member for the pipe 32 in extend to fasten the second pipe. The tubular engaging portion 31 includes a base portion 33 fitted on the outer circumferential face at the front end of the first pipe 6 a, an engaging member for a pipe 32 that is pivoted at the base portion 33 capable of rotating in the vertical portion of the outer circumferential face of the first pipe 6 a and that can be engaged with the through hole 61 b, and a spring member 34 that biases this engaging member for the pipe 32 so as to be engaged with the through hole. In addition, on the inner circumferential face at the rear and of the second pipe 6 b at the front end side, a sliding member 35 is fitted. At a pair of concave portions 35 a formed symmetrically in the axial direction of this sliding member 35, a fastening portion 131 is disposed, which includes a pair of fastening members 133 and a pair of spring members 132 that constantly biases the fastening members 133 so as to abut against the inner circumferential face of the first pipe 6 a.

The engaging member for the pipe 32 includes a projection portion 32 a engaged with the through hole 61 b at its one end and a control portion 32 b controlling the engagement and release between the projection portion 32 a and the through hole 61 b at the other end thereof In addition, the spring member 34 has one end fitted to the base portion 33 and has the other end fitted to the control portion 32 b and the spring member 34 constantly biases the control portion 32 b in a direction separated from the base portion 33 to press the projection portion 32 a on the outer circumferential face of the pipe. Therefore, if the second pipe 6 b is pulled out from the first pipe 6 a in order to extend the column, the projection portion 32 a pressed and held on the outer circumferential face of the pipe is engaged with the through hole 61 b, and the projection portion 32 a is pressed to be disposed adjacent to the through hole 61 b. Thereby, locking the second pipe 6 b, the column 6 can be maintained at a desired height. On the other hand, in the case of contracting the column, if the control portion 32 b is pressed against the bias force of the spring member 34, the projection portion 32 a is rotated in a direction separated from the outer circumferential face of the pipe so that the engagement with the through hole 61 b is released. If the engagement between the projection portion 32 a and the through hole 61 b is released, the second pipe 6 b drops down under its own weigh, a pair of fastening members 133 biased by the spring members 132 abuts against the inner circumferential face of the first pipe 6 a so as to prevent or stop the first pipe 6 a dropping down. In this state, pressing the second pipe 6 b into the first pipe 6 a, the column is contracted. Thereby, even if the slide locking mechanism is released, the second pipe 6 b does not fall suddenly, so that the column can be safely contracted. In FIG. 7, the example of using a pair of fastening portions 131 is described, however, the same advantage can be obtained if the fastening portions 131 are provided only at the concave portion 35 a at one side.

FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view showing an example of the structure of the hook 7A. The hook 7A includes a hollow hook member 71 having a fastening portion 71 a at its side that fastens a handle portion and a supporting portion 72 that is concentrically fitted and inserted in this hook member 71 to support the hook member so as to rotate horizontally. The supporting portion 72 has a circle supporting table 72 e abutting against a ceiling portion 71 e of the hook member 71 and a pair of supporting legs 72 a supporting this supporting table 72 e, further, the supporting portion 72 has a pair of engaging projection portions 72 d at one support leg. At the front end of the second pipe 6 b, a pair of engaging holes 611 b is formed, and externally fitting the supporting portion 72 to the front end of the second pipe 6 b, a pair of engaging projection portions 72 d is engaged with a pair of engagement holes 611 b. Thereby, the supporting portion 72 is fixed to the front end of the second pipe 6 b. In addition, the supporting portion 72 includes a pair of sliding projection portions 72 b disposed on the supporting table 72 e so as to be line symmetry with respect to the center point of this supporting table. Further, at the ceiling portion of the hook member 71, a pair of sliding grooves 71 b for preventing the rotation is formed so as to be line symmetry with respect to the center point that is arranged in a concentric fashion with respect to the center point of the supporting table 72 e. Positioning the sliding projection portions 72 b in each sliding groove 71 b, the supporting portion 72 is fitted and inserted in the hook member 71. Each of sliding projection portions 72 b is housed in the sliding groove 71 b to compose two pairs of rotation preventing portions. In other words, when rotating the hook member 71 between the use position and the storage position, the sliding groove is also rotated in the same direction. In this case, by abutting the sliding projection portions 72 b against the end face of the sliding groove, the further rotation of the hook member 71 is prevented.

Specifically, the hook member 71 has engaging concave portions 71 c and 71 d on the inner circumferential face thereof and this engaging concave portion is engaged with an engaging projection portion 72 c of the supporting portion 72 at the use position and the storage position. The engaging concave portions 71 c and 71 d can be used at any of the use position and the storage position. For example, in the case of locating the engaging concave portion 71 c at the use position, the fastening portion 71 a is approximately vertical to the longitudinal direction of the top bar. Here, if the hook member 71 a is rotated from the use position so as to be in parallel with the top bar, the engagement between the engaging concave portion 71 c and the engaging projection portion 72 c is released, and the sliding groove 71 b is also rotated in the same direction as the hook member 71 a. At the storage position, the engaging concave portion 71 d is engaged with the engaging projection portion 72 c and the hook member 71 is fixed to the supporting portion 72. On the contrary, the end face of the sliding groove 71 b abuts against the sliding projection portion 72 b so as to prevent the further rotation of the hook member 71. In this state, laying the column down, the column is housed so that the entire column is approximately in parallel with the casing. Thereby, the fastening portion 71 a does not project around, so that the present portable screen assembly can be easily stored and carried. In addition, when the excess rotational load is given to the hook member, the rotation preventing portion limits the excess rotation of the hook member to prevent the hook member from moving from the use position or the storage position. Accordingly, it is possible to easily switch between the use position and the storage position. Particularly, since two pairs of rotation preventing portions are provided so as to abut the sliding projection portion against the end face of the sliding groove at the abutting position of the line symmetry, it is possible to limit the excess rotation of the hook member more certainly.

The operation of the portable screen assembly according to the present embodiment will be described below. When the portable screen assembly is not used, as shown in FIG. 3, the column is laid down and is stored so as to be approximately in parallel with the casing. The top bar is fixed to the casing as the cover body of the casing, so that the present portable screen assembly can be stored and carried very easily. In addition, the hook portion of the front end of the column is rotatably supported by the column.

In use, erecting the column as shown in FIG. 2, then, releasing the first slide locking mechanism, the column is extended. After that, operating the first slide locking mechanism, the column is maintained at a certain height. Then, releasing the control portion locking mechanism of the locking mechanism and pressing the control portions in a direction that they come close to each other, the fixation of the top bar to the casing is released. Next, the top bar is pulled upward, the screen is pulled out from the spring-biased roll against the elastic force of the spring mounted to the spring-biased roll and gravitational force. Then, by fastening the handle disposed at the top bar on the hook portion of the column, the screen is held in an extended state.

When the screen is not in use, unfastening the handle from the hook portion, the top bar is let down on the opening with the handle gripped. In this case, the guide portion of the positioning mechanism contacts the guided portion at first, and letting down the top bar as it is, the guide portion is inserted into the guided portion. In this state, positioning of the engaging portion and the engaged portion of the locking mechanism is carried out. Next, pressing down the top bar downward, the locking mechanism is operated and the top bar is fixed to the casing. Further, releasing the slide locking mechanism of the column, the column is contracted and the hook portion is rotated so that the hook portion does not project around. Then, rotating the column and felling it, the column is stored so as to be in parallel with the casing.

According to the present embodiment, the top bar is used also as the cover body of the casing, and the casing includes the first case member and the second case member that are hingedly coupled to each other at one side of the casing. Thus, without decreasing the mechanical intensity of the casing, the casing member is thinned and this makes it possible to more reduce the weight of the screen assembly.

In addition, since the column is formed integrally with the casing and also formed erectable, in storage, by laying the column down, the size of the screen assembly can be more reduced.

Further, due to the single operation of pressing the control portion of the locking mechanism, the top bar can be easily fixed to the casing.

In addition, pressing down the column in the state that the locked state of the second pipe is released by pressing the control portion of the spring locking mechanism, the column can be easily contracted.

Second Embodiment

The screen assembly according to the present embodiment will be explained with an example that another slide locking mechanism is used in place of the slide locking mechanism used in the first slide locking mechanism according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing the structure of a screen assembly P6 in the state that a screen is turned back. A column 6A includes the first pipe 6 a at the lower level and the second pipe 6 b at the upper level. In the present embodiment, a tubular engaging portion 101 composing the first slide locking mechanism is disposed at the front end of the first pipe. 6 a, and further, a projection portion locking mechanism 110 for releasing the released state of the first slide locking mechanism is disposed at the lower portion of a hook portion 7C. Other than these, the present embodiment can be configured according to the same method as the first embodiment.

The first slide locking mechanism used for the present embodiment includes a tubular engaging portion disposed on the outer circumferential face of the front end of the first pipe 6 a, and a tubular engaging support that includes a plurality of through holes formed in the longitudinal direction of the second pipe 6 b and is engaged with the tubular engaging portion.

FIGS. 10A to 10B and FIGS. 11A to 11C are views showing the structures of an engaging member 102 composing the tubular engaging portion 101 and a base portion 103. FIG. 10A and FIG. 10B are a side view and a front view of the engaging member 102, respectively, and FIGS. 11A, 11B, and 11C are a top view, a front view, and a side view of the base portion 103, respectively.

The engaging member 102 is pivoted on the base portion 103 at its center and the engaging member 102 has a projection portion 102 a that is engaged with the through hole disposed at the pipe at one end, and a control portion 102 b that controls the engagement and release between the projection portion 102 a and the through hole at the other end. Further, on the opposite side faces of the control portion 102 b, a pair of engaging pins 102 c is disposed.

On the other hand, the base portion 103 pivoting the engaging member 102 has a concave groove 103 a that extends in the axial direction of the outer circumferential face of the base portion 103 and houses the engaging member 102, a pair of axial holes 103 b for pivoting the engaging member 102, and a pair of engagement grooves 103 c engaged with the engaging pin. The engaging grooves 103 c is formed from the outer circumferential face side into the pipe side. The engagement grooves 103 c have an ending portion 1032 c at the front end at the pipe side. The ending portion 1032 c continues to a sliding groove portion 1031 c via a constricted portion 1033 c.

The operation of this slide locking mechanism will be described with reference to the longitudinal views shown in FIGS. 12 to 16 below.

FIG. 12 shows the state that a column 6B starts to extend. A first slide locking mechanism 100 includes a through hole 62 b and the tubular engaging portion 101 that are fitted to the front end of the first pipe 6 a, and the projection portion 102 a is engaged with the through hole 62 b. On the other hand, on the lower portion of the hook portion 7C, a projection portion locking mechanism 110 including the hook portion 7C and the engaging projection portion is disposed. According to the present embodiment, the hook portion 7C and the engaging projection portion 110 are separately formed and the hook portion 7C can be horizontally rotatably formed. On the contrary, the engaging projection portion 110 is firmly fixed so as to be aligned with the control portion 102 in the axial direction. Further, the engaging projection portion 110 and the engaging member 102 are disposed at the front face side of the column on which the screen is fastened.

FIG. 13 illustrates the state that the column is extended to the longest length. In the case of extending the column from the state shown in FIG. 12, the hook portion 7C is pulled up with the control portion 102 b pressed. In this case, the first slide locking mechanism is released and the second pipe 6 b is released, so that the second pipe 6 b can be easily pulled out from the first pipe 6 a. Next, when stopping the press of the control portion 102 b in the state that the column is fully extended, due to the bias force of the spring member 104, the control portion 102 b is separated from the base portion 103, the projection portion 102 a is engaged with the through hole 62 b to be fastened due to the lever operation,, and the pipe 6 b is locked by the pipe 6 a. In this state, fastening the screen on the hook portion 7C, the screen assembly can be used.

FIG. 14 shows the state that contraction operation of the column is started for storage. At first, detaching the screen from the hook portion 7C and bringing down the top bar, the screen is turned back. Next, the first slide locking mechanism is operated. In other words, when the control portion 102 b is strongly pressed in the direction of the base portion 103, due to the lever operation, the engagement between the projection portion 102a and the through hole 62 b is released. On the other hand, the engaging pins 102 c slide the engagement groove 103 c into the direction of the base portion 103 to lead it to the ending portion 1032 c through the constricted portion 1033 c. Then, the engaging pins 102 c are engaged and fixed there. In this case, since the constricted portion 1033 c is narrower than the ending portion 1032 c, the movement of the engaging pins 102 c to the constricted portion 1033 c is inhibited and the engaging pins 102 c are fixed to the ending portion 1032 c. Thereby, the pressed state of the control portion 102 b is kept and the column can be pushed down.

FIG. 15 shows the state that the column is pushed down from the state shown in FIG. 14. The second slide locking mechanism is easily released by pushing down the second pipe 6 b, the second pipe 6 b is pushed down, and its front end comes close to the second slide locking mechanism. In other words, the engaging projection portion 110 includes an abutting portion 110 a that is formed by an inclined face and can abut against an angle portion 102 d forming the base portion of the projection portion 102 a, and a fixed portion 110 b that is formed by a vertical face continued to this inclined face and can be engaged with the angle portion at its front end. If the column is pushed down, the abutting portion 110 a of the engaging projection portion 110 abuts against the angle portion 102 d. Further, if the column is pushed down, the angle portion 102 d is pressed into the direction of the pipe and at the same time, due to the lever operation, the engaging pins 102 c move from the ending portion 1032 c to the sliding groove portion 1031 c. Then, lock of the control portion 102 b is released. Further, if the column is contracted into the shortest length by pushing down the column, as shown in FIG. 16, being guided to the abutting portion 110 a, the angle portion 102 d leads to the fixed portion 110 b to be engaged with the fixed portion 110 b. At the same time, the front end of the projection portion is engaged with the through hole 62 b. In this state, the projection portion 102 a is locked being fixed to the engaging projection portion 110. Subsequently, rotating the hook portion 7C so as not to project around, and then, rotating and laying the column down, the column is stored to be in parallel with the casing.

According to the present embodiment, in addition to the advantage obtained in the first embodiment, the following advantages can be further obtained.

Since the free state of the first slide locking mechanism is changed into the lock state by abutting and engaging the projection portion locking mechanism disposed at the lower portion of the hook portion 7C against the projection portion of the first slide locking mechanism, due to the single operation of push down the column, it is possible to carry out the contraction of the column and the slide lock of the pipe at once. Further, since the engaging member is disposed at the front face of the column, operating the engaging member at the front dace of the screen assembly, the column can be contracted. Therefore, as compared to the case that the engaging member is disposed at the rear face of the column, the column can be contracted more easily.

Third Embodiment

The screen assembly according to the present embodiment will be explained with an example that three stages of pipe are used for the column in the second embodiment. FIG. 17 is a perspective view showing the structure of a screen assembly P5 in the state that the screen is turned back. A column 6B can be composed by the same method as the second embodiment other than that the column is composed of the first pipe 6 a at the lower level, the second pipe 6 b at the middle level, and a third pipe 6 k at the upper level.

The structure of the second slide locking mechanism is shown in FIG. 18. A sliding member 36 is fitted on the inner circumferential face of the rear end portion of the third pipe 6 k. A pipe engaging portion 37 includes an engaging member 38 arranged in a concave portion 36 a of this sliding member 36 and a spring member 39. The spring member 39 has one end engaged with the concave portion 36 a and the other end engaged with the engaging member 38 and biases the engaging member 38. On the contrary, a plurality of through holes is formed in a longitudinal direction at the front end of the second pipe 6 b, and this plurality of through holes composes the tubular engaging support 62 b engaged with the pipe engaging portion 37. The engaging member 38 has a ball-type projection portion 38 a at its front end. The ball-type projection portion 38 a is engaged with the through hole 62 b by being pressed by the spring member 39 and the third pipe 6 k is fixed. In order to release the engagement between the ball-type projection portion 38 a and the through hole 62 b, a method of directly pressing the ball-type projection portion 38 a against the bias force of the spring member 39 or a method of indirectly pressing the ball-type projection portion 38 a into the concave portion 36 a by pushing down the third pipe 6 k can be employed. In this case, as the ball-type projection portion 38 a, a metal made or a resin made one can be used, however, the resin made one is preferable. Further, the edge of the through hole is made round or the edge of the through hole is tapered to be enlarged at the side of the third pipe 6 k. Thereby, it is possible to reduce the frictional force between the through hole and the engaging member. Therefore, even if the ball-type projection portion 38 a is not directly pressed, the engagement between the ball-type projection portion 38 a and the through hole 62 b can be easily released by pulling out or pushing the third pipe 6 k from or in the second pipe 6 b.

The operation of this slide locking mechanism will be described below. Further, the operation of the first slide locking mechanism will be described with reference to FIGS. 12 to 16.

When the control portion 102 b is pressed in the state that the column is contracted to the shortest length, the first slide locking mechanism is released, the second pipe 6 b is released, and the second pipe 6 b can be easily pulled out from the first pipe 6 a (FIG. 12). In addition, by strongly pulling out the third pipe 6 k from the second pipe 6 b, the third pipe 6 k can be pulled out without operating the second slide locking mechanism, namely, without engaging the ball-type projection portion 38 a with the through hole 62 b. Accordingly, only by pulling out the hook portion 7C, the second pipe 6 b and the third pipe 6 k are pulled out from the first pipe 6 a and this makes it possible to extend the column to the longest length.

After that, in the longest state, if the control portion 102 b is lightly pressed, due to the bias force of the spring member, the control portion 102b is separated from the base portion 103, due to the lever operation, the projection portion 102 a is engaged with the through hole 62 b to be fastened, and the pipe 6 b is locked by the pipe 6 a (FIG. 13). In this state, fastening the screen on the hook portion 7C, the screen assembly can be used.

Next, when starting the contraction of the column for storage, at first, detaching the screen from the hook portion 7C and letting down the top bar, the screen is turned back. Next, the first slide locking mechanism is operated. In other words, when the control portion 102 b is strongly pressed in the direction of the base portion 103, due to the lever operation, the engagement between the projection portion 102 a and the through hole 62 b is released. On the other hand, the engaging pins 102 c slides the engaging groove 103 c into the direction of the base portion 103 to lead it to the ending portion 1032 c through the constricted portion 1033 c. Then, the engaging pins 102 c are engaged and fixed there (FIG. 14). In this case, since the constricted portion 1033 c is narrower than the ending portion 1032 c, the movement of the engaging pins 102 c to the constricted portion 1033 c is inhibited and the engaging pins 102 c are fixed to the end portion 1032 c. Thereby, the pressed state of the control portion 102 b is kept and the column can be pushed down.

Next, pushing down the column, the second slide locking mechanism is easily released by pushing down the third pipe 6 k, the second pipe 6 b is pushed down, and its front end comes close to the second slide locking mechanism. In other words, when the column is pushed down, the abutting portion 110 a of the engaging projection portion 110 abuts against the angle portion 102 d (FIG. 15). Further, when the column is pushed down, the angle portion 102 d is pressed in the direction of the pipe, and at the same time, due to the lever operation, the engaging pins 102 c move from the ending portion 1032 c to the sliding groove portion 1031 c. Then, lock of the control portion 102 b is released. Further, if the column is contracted into the shortest length by pushing down the column, as shown in FIG. 16, being guided to the abutting portion 110 a, the angle portion 102 d leads to the fixed portion 110 b to be engaged with the fixed portion 110 b. At the same time, the front end of the projection portion is engaged with the through hole 62 b. In this state, the projection portion 102 a is locked being fixed to the engaging projection portion 110. Subsequently, rotating the hook portion 7C so as not to project around when in stored, and then, rotating and laying the column down, the column is stored so as to be in parallel with the casing.

According to the present embodiment, in addition to the advantage obtained in the second embodiment, the following advantages can be further obtained.

At first, by composing the column of thee stages of the pipe, the column is more heightened so that the large screen can be extended. Further, the second slide locking mechanism is provided and of which engagement can be easily released by pulling out or pushing in the third pipe. On the other hand, abutting and engaging the projection portion locking mechanism disposed at the front end of the third pipe against or with the projection portion of the first slide locking mechanism, the free state of the first slide locking mechanism is changed into the lock state, so that by the single operation of push down the column, it is possible to push down the column from the longest state to the shortest state at once and this makes the contraction operation of the column very easy.

The screen assembly according to the present invention is not limited to the first to third embodiments, and screen assembly according to the present invention may include the screen assemblies according to various modified examples composed of the following component members.

FIG. 19 shows a modified example of the hook portion shown in FIG. 8. A hook portion 7B includes a supporting portion 74 and a rotating portion 73 that is pivoted by the supporting portion 74 capable of being rotated on the vertical flat face with respect to a longitudinal direction of the top bar and has a fastening portion 73 a that fastens the handle. The supporting portion 74 is fixedly inserted into the front end of second pipe 6 d composing the column. In use, putting the rotating portion 73 down into a vertical direction of the top bar, the handle is fastened. Thereby, it is possible to hold the screen in a stretch state. On the other hand, in storage, pulling up the rotating portion 73 and erecting it so as to be approximately aligned with the column, the column is laid down and stored so as to be approximately in parallel with the casing. Thereby, the rotating portion 73 does not project around, so that the present portable screen assembly can be easily stored and carried.

FIG. 20 shows a first modified example of the slide locking mechanism used in the first embodiment.

In the slide locking mechanism according to the present modified example, the sliding member 36 is attached on the inner circumferential face at the rear end of the second pipe 6 d at the front end, and the engaging member 38 and the pipe engaging portion 37 composed of the spring member 39 that biases the engaging member 38 are disposed in the concave portion of this sliding member 36. On the contrary, a plurality of through holes is formed in a longitudinal direction at the front end of the first pipe 6 c, and this plurality of through holes composes the tubular engaging support 61 c engaged with the pipe engaging portion 37. Pulling out the second pipe 6 d from the first tubular 6 c and engaging a front end projection portion 38 b of the engaging member 38 with the desired position in the plurality of through holes, the second pipe 6 d is fastened to hold the column at the desired height. By pressing the front end projection portion 38 b, it is possible to release the fastening of the second pipe 6 d.

According to the present modified example, with the simple structure, the height of the screen can be adjusted stepwise.

In addition, FIG. 21 shows a second modified example of the structure of the slide locking mechanism used in the first to third embodiments.

The slide locking mechanism according to the present modified example is composed of a sliding member 40 attached on the inner circumferential face at the rear end of a second pipe 6 f and a pipe engaging portion 41 disposed at a concave portion 40 a of this sliding member 40, and at least one through hole disposed in a longitudinal direction of the first pipe 6 e. The slide locking mechanism according to the present modified example has a pipe engaging support 61 f that is engaged with the pipe engaging portion 41 in the extend state and fastens the second pipe 6 f. Further, the pipe engaging portion 41 has an engaging member 42 that is pivoted by the sliding member 40 and a spring member 43 that biases the engaging member 42 having one end engaged with the engaging member 42 and the other end engaged with the sliding member 40. Further, the engaging member 42 has a projection portion 42 a engaged with the through hole at one end and a coupling portion 42 b for coupling a motion transferring portion to move back and forward the projection portion 42 a from and to the through hole at the other end. The motion transferring portion has a wire 45 that is supported by an engagement releasing portion disposed at the hook portion 7C of the front end of the second pipe 6 f and an elevated body 44 hung by the wire 45. The elevated body 44 is engaged with the coupling portion 42 b and due to rotation of the engaging member 42 in the axial direction of the column by the elevating motion of the elevated body 44, the projection portion 42 a moves back and forward from and to the through hole.

The engagement releasing portion has a control member 46 rotatably pivoted by the hook portion 7C so as to rotate in the axial direction of the column, and a spring member 47 having one end engaged with the control member 46 and the other end engaged with the hook portion 7C. Further, the control member 46 has a supporting portion 46 a for supporting the wire 45 and a control portion 46 b, and the spring member 47 biases the control portion 46 b so as to be separated from the hook portion 7C.

In the state that the external force is not added to the control portion 46 b, due to the bias force of the spring member 43, the projection portion 42 a of the engaging member 42 is engaged with the through hole. On the contrary, when the control portion 46 b is pressed against the bias force of the spring member 47, the elevated body 44 is elevated and the projection portion 42 a of the engaging member 42 moves back in a direction separated from the through hole against the bias force of the spring member 43 so as to release the engagement with the through hole.

According to the modified example, the column can be easily contracted and extended with the handle fastened on the hook portion and the screen pulled out. In other words, in the case of contract or extending the column, the pipe at the upper level may be pushed in the pipe at the lower level or the pipe at the upper level may be pulled out from the pipe at the lower level while pressing the control portion of the engagement releasing portion that is provided at the front end of the column. In the state of pressing the control portion, the projection portion of the engaging member is not engaged with the through hole. Thereby, due to the pulling operation of one time or the pushing operation of one time, the column can be extended or contracted. In addition, since the engagement releasing portion is provided at the hook portion, the column can be contracted or extended with the one-handed motion while carrying the hook portion.

Further, FIG. 22 shows further other third modified example of the slide locking mechanism used in the first to third embodiments. The slide locking mechanism according to the present modified example is different from that used in the first to third embodiments in that the engagement mechanism having no stages is used in place of the tubular engaging portion and the tubular engaging support of the slide locking mechanism shown in FIG. 21.

In other words, the slide locking mechanism according to the present modified example has a sliding member 48 fitted on the inner circumferential face at the rear end of a second pipe 6 h, a ball 51 for holding the second pipe 6 h at a certain height by abutting it against an inclined portion 50 a formed on the outer circumferential face of a lower end 50 of the sliding member 48, and a ball guide portion 49 for guiding the ball 51 to abut against the inclined portion 50 a. Further, the ball guide portion 49 has a engaging member 52 that is pivoted by the lower end 50 of the sliding member 48, and a spring member 53 having one end engaged with the concave portion 48 a of the sliding member 48 and having the other end engaged with one end of the guide member 52. The engaging member 52 has an engaging portion 52 b having the spring member 53 engaged therewith at its one end and a releasing portion 52 a for releasing abutting against the inclined portion 50 a of the ball 51 by pressing the ball 51 at its other end. The spring member 53 is constantly biased via the engaging portion 52 b in a direction that the releasing portion 52 a is separated from the ball 51 due to the lever operation.

In addition, the motion transferring portion has the wire 45 that is supported by the engagement releasing portion disposed at the hook portion 7C of the front end of the second pipe 6 f and the elevated body 44 hung by the wire 45. The elevated body 44 is engaged with the engaging portion 52 b that is used also as a coupling portion. Due to the up and down motion of the elevated body 44, the guide member 52 is rotated in the axial direction of the column and this makes the releasing portion 52 a to press the ball 51 or separate the releasing portion 52 a from the ball 51 or holds the releasing portion 52 a at a mere contacting state. Further, the wire 45 is engaged with the engaging portion 52 b through the longitudinal direction of the spring member 53 of the ball guide portion 49.

In this case, the engagement releasing portion has the control member 46 rotatably pivoted by the hook portion 7C capable of rotating in the axial direction of the column, and the spring member 47 having one end engaged with the control member 46 and the other end engaged with the hook portion 7C. Further, the control member 46 has the supporting portion 46 a for supporting the wire 45 and the control portion 46 b, and the spring member 47 biases the control portion 46 b so as to be separated from the hook portion 7C.

In the state that the external force is not added to the control portion 46 b, due to the bias force of the spring member 53, the releasing portion 52 a is separated from the ball 51 or merely contacts the ball 51, so that the ball 51 abuts against the inclined portion 50 a and the second pipe 6 h is fixed. Giving the external force to the control portion 46 b and elevating the elevated body 44, the releasing portion 52 a presses the ball 51 against the bias force of the spring member 53 to release abutment with the inclined portion 50 a. Thereby, it is possible to freely extend the column.

According to the present modified example, as the same as the case of the second modified example of the slide locking mechanism, fastening the handle on the hook portion and pulling out the screen, the column can be easily extended and contracted. In addition, since the engagement releasing portion is disposed at the hook portion, the column can be extended and contracted by the one-sided operation while carrying the hook portion.

In addition, since the engagement mechanism to abut the ball against the inclined portion is used, without adjusting the height of the column stepwise, the column can be adjusted at an arbitrary height.

Further, the hole drilling for forming a through hole for engagement on the column is not needed, and it is possible to provide a screen assembly with a lower cost.

In addition, FIGS. 23 and 24 show the further other modified example 4 of the slide locking mechanism used in the first to third embodiments.

As shown in FIG. 23, the slide locking mechanism according to the present modified example is composed of a tubular engaging portion 55 that is arranged in a concave portion 54 a of a sliding member 54 fitted on the inner circumferential face at the rear end of a second pipe 6 j at the front end side, and a tubular engaged portion composed of one continued peripheral groove that is provided in the longitudinal direction of the inner face of a first pipe 6 i at the lower level and having engaging portions 61 i, 62 i, 63 i, and 64 i. The tubular engaging portion 55 is composed of an engaging member 56 having a supporting portion 56 b inserted into the concave portion 54 a of the sliding member 54 at its one end and a projection portion 56 a engaged with the fastening portion at its other end and capable of being slid using the supporting portion 56 b as a support point, and a spring member 57 that has one end engaged with the concave portion 54 a of the sliding member 54 and the other end engaged with the supporting portion 56 b of the engaging member 56 and biases the projection portion 56 a of the engaging member 56 so as to be pressed to the fastening portion.

FIG. 24 is a development view showing the structure of a tubular engaged portion 58. The peripheral groove composing the tubular engaged portion 58 includes an approach root groove 60 having a plurality of fastening portions composed of a concave portion for regulating movement of the second pipe 6 j into a contraction direction by being engaged with the projection portion 56 a in extension of the column, and a return root groove 59 for allowing movement of the second pipe 6 j into the contraction direction releasing the engagement with the projection portion 56 a in contraction. The fastening portion has a start point fastening portion 64 i, a middle fastening portions 63 i and 62 i, and an end point fastening portion 61 i from the rear end of the first pipe 6 i to the front end direction. The start point fastening portion and the middle fastening portion have vertical portions 641 i, 631 i, and 621 i for fastening the projection portion 56 a at the rear end side of the first pipe 6 i, and inclined portions 642 i, 632 i, and 622 i for allowing the movement of the projection portion 56 a to the front end side by being inclined to the front end side. On the other hand, the end point fastening portion at the furthest end has a vertical portion 611 i for fastening the projection portion 56 a at the rear end side and an ending portion composed of the vertical portion 612 i at the front end side. The vertical portion 611 i and the vertical portion 612 i are connected by an inclined portion 613 i inclined to the side of the vertical portion 612 i.

When the present screen assembly is not used, the projection portion 56 a abuts against the vertical portions 641 i of the start point fastening portion 64 i, and the second pipe 6 j is fixed. When the second pipe 6 j is pulled out from the first pipe 6 i in this state, the projection portion 56 a moves upwards through the inclined portion 642 i while sliding the approach root groove 60. Stopping pulling out of the second pipe 6 j with the projection portion 56 a engaged with the arbitrary fastening portion, the projection portion 56 a may abut against the fastening portion, for example, the vertical portion 621 i of the middle fastening portion 62 i, and the second pipe 6 j is fixed. On the other hand, in the case of contracting the column for storage, pulling out the second pipe 6 j to the longest length and moving the projection portion 56 a to the end point fastening portion 61 i, the projection portion 56 a may abut against the end portion 612 i to move to the return groove 59 while sliding the inclined portion 613 i. In this state, when the second pipe 6 j is pushed into the first pipe 6 i, the projection portion 56 a automatically moves downwards along the return groove 59 to return to the start point fastening portion 64 i. Thereby, the column can be made shorter.

According to the present modified example, the column can be easily extended and contracted with the handle fastened to the hook portion and the screen pulled out. Particularly, if the column is extended to the longest length, the column automatically moves downwards, so that the column can be easily contracted.

FIGS. 25 to 27 show the modified example of the locking mechanism used in the first to third embodiments.

FIG. 25 is a perspective view showing the structure of the portable screen assembly P2 having a first modified example of the locking mechanism. The present modified example has a belt member of which one end is firmly fixed to one side face of the casing and of which other end is fixed on the other side face of the casing detachably across the top bar. As shown in FIG. 25, the handle is firmly fixed approximately on the center of the top bar 5, and the free end of a belt member 84 is detachably fixed by the fixing member that is firmly fixed at the side of the casing across the top bar.

According to the present modified example, since the locking mechanism is configured by the simple structure, the screen assembly with a lower cost can be provided.

FIG. 26 shows the other second modified example of the locking mechanism used in the first to third embodiments. According to the present modified example, a pair of belt members is used for the locking mechanism. The present embodiment has a pair of belt members 86 and 87, each of which one end is firmly fixed one side face of the casing 1 and each of which other end is fixed on the other side face of the casing 1 detachably across the top bar 5. The free ends of the belt members 86 and 87 are detachably fixed by fixing members 88 and 89 that are firmly fixed at the side of the casing 1. The handle 81 is located approximately at the center of the casing 1 to be firmly fixed between the fixing members 88 and 89, and a hanging member 83 for fastening is firmly fixed at the center of the top bar 5.

According to the present modified example, the locking mechanism is simply configured and by using a pair of belt members, it is possible to fix the top bar to the casing more certainly.

FIG. 27 shows another third modified example of the locking mechanism used in the first to third embodiments. According to the present modified example, a pair of belt members that is formed integrally with the handle is used. The present embodiment has a pair of belt members 90 and 91, each of which one end is firmly fixed one side face of the casing 1 and each of which other end is fixed on the other side face of the casing 1 detachably across the top bar 5. The free ends of the belt members 90 and 91 are detachably fixed by fixing members 92 and 93 that are firmly fixed at the side of the casing 1. The handle 82 is pivoted by a pair of belt members 90 and 91 with the opposite ends being detachable and a hanging member 83 for fastening is firmly fixed at the center of the top bar 5.

According to the present modified example, the locking mechanism is simply configured and by using a pair of belt members, it is possible to fix the top bar to the casing more certainly.

Further, the first to third embodiments are illustrated by an example that the column made of two stages of pipe and three stages of pipe, however, the number of step of the pipe is not limited to these examples. For example, when the column of many steps of pipe more than three is constructed in the screen assembly of the first or second embodiment, in the pipe at the further front end from the second step, the slide locking mechanism shown in FIG. 18 or FIG. 20 can be used as the second slide locking mechanism. In the same way, in the case of constructing the column made of many steps of pipe more than four steps in the screen assembly of the third embodiment, the slide locking mechanism shown in FIG. 18 or FIG. 20 can be used for the pipe at the further front side from the third step as the second slide locking mechanism. In addition, by using the slide locking mechanism shown in FIG. 18 or FIG. 20 as the all slide locking mechanisms, the column made of many steps of pipe can be also constructed. 

1. A portable screen assembly, comprising: a casing having an opening extending in a longitudinal direction on the upper surface thereof and formed by a first and second case members that extend in the longitudinal direction and are separable from each other; a spring-biased roll rotatably mounted to the casing; a screen wound around the spring-biased roll in storage and pulled out from the opening in use; a top bar secured to one end of the screen and used also as a cover to close the opening in storage; and an extendable column having one end supported at a center portion of the side face of the casing and holding the pulled out screen in a stretched state.
 2. The portable screen assembly according to claim 1, wherein the column includes one end erectably pivoted at a center portion of the side of the casing and the column holds the pulled out screen in a stretched state when erected.
 3. The portable screen assembly according to claim 1, wherein the casing connects one ends of the first and second case members in a width direction, and the other ends thereof in the width direction are separately arranged from each other to form the opening.
 4. The portable screen assembly according to claim 1, wherein a handle portion is provided at the center portion of the top bar, and a hook portion is provided at the front end of the column, the handle portion being fastened to the hook portion.
 5. The a portable screen assembly according to claim 4, wherein the hook portion is horizontally rotatably attached at the front end of the column, and when the column is laid down, the hook portion is rotated so that the column is disposed adjacent to the casing.
 6. The portable screen assembly according to claim 1, further comprising a locking mechanism that fixes the top bar to the casing when in storage.
 7. The portable screen assembly according to claim 6, wherein the locking mechanism comprises an engaging portion disposed on the top bar and an engaged portion disposed on the casing and engaging with the engaging portion.
 8. The portable screen assembly according to claim 7, wherein the engaging portion comprises a pair of engaging members oppositely disposed in the width direction of the top bar, and the engaged portion comprises a pair of engaged members disposed at the opposed opening edges of the casing, respectively and is engaged with the engaging member.
 9. The portable screen assembly according to claim 8, wherein each of the engaging members is rotatably pivoted by the engaging portion; has an engaging end to be engaged with the engaged portion at one end and a control portion to control engagement and release of the engaging end at the other end; releases the engagement of the engaging end with the engaged end by rotating a pair of control portions disposed oppositely in an approaching direction; and engages the engaging end with the engaged portion by rotating the pair of control portions in a separating direction.
 10. The portable screen assembly according to claim 9, wherein the engaging portion includes a spring member, and the spring member biases the engaging end so as to be pressed to the engaged portion in an engaged state.
 11. The portable screen assembly according to claim 9, wherein the engaging portion includes a rotatable locking mechanism to prevent the control portions from moving closely to each other in the engagement state.
 12. The portable screen assembly according to claim 11, wherein the rotatable locking mechanism comprising a lock member loosely inserted into an engaging portion capable of rotating between a lock position and a released position, and wherein the rotatable locking mechanism prevents the control portions from moving closely to each other by abutting each of the opposite ends at the head of the lock member against each control portion at the lock position, and allows the control portions to move closely by releasing abutting of the opposite ends and each control portion at the release position.
 13. The portable screen assembly according to claim 1, wherein the column comprises a slide locking mechanism comprising a plurality of telescopic pipes that is slid each other and slidably extended, the slide locking mechanism locking the slide at the pipe at the upper level that is slidably extended and thereby to hold the column at a certain height.
 14. The portable screen assembly according to claim 13, wherein the slide locking mechanism comprises a tubular engaged portion having a first slide locking mechanism for fastening a second pipe located at the upper step on a first pipe located at lowest step, the first slide locking mechanism including: a tubular engaging portion attached on the outer circumferential face at the front end of the first pipe and including an engaging member and a base portion to support the engaging member; and a tubular engaged portion including at least one through hole disposed in a longitudinal direction of the second pipe, the tubular engaged portion being engaged with the engaging member and thereby to engage the second pipe in a stretched state, the engaging member comprising a projection portion engaged with the through hole at one end and a control portion for controlling engagement and release of the projection portion and the through hole at the other end, and the engaging member being pivoted to be capable of rotating in the axial direction of the pipe on the base portion, and wherein the engagement between the projection portion and the through hole is released by pressing the control portion in the width direction of the pipe, and the projection portion is engaged with the through hole by stopping press of the control portion.
 15. The portable screen assembly according to claim 14, further comprising a control portion locking mechanism for keeping the pressed state of the control portion, thereby keeping the released state of the releasing between the projection portion and the through hole.
 16. The portable screen assembly according to claim 15, wherein the control portion locking mechanism comprises an engaging groove disposed at the base portion and an engaging pin disposed on the engaging member; and wherein the control portion is pressed in a direction of a pipe, the engaging pin is thereby engaged in the engaging groove.
 17. The portable screen assembly according to claim 14, wherein the slide locking mechanism comprises a second slide locking mechanism that locks the slide of the pipe at the further front side from a second pipe, the second slide locking mechanism comprising: a tubular engaging portion disposed on the inner circumferential face at the rear end of the pipe at the upper level; and a tubular engaged portion comprising a plurality of through holes formed in the longitudinal direction of the pipe at the lower level and being engaged with the tubular engaging portion.
 18. The portable screen assembly according to claim 14, wherein a projection portion locking mechanism is provided at the front end of the pipe at the front end side, which abuts against the projection portion in a released state and guides the projection portion to be engaged with the through hole, and thereby to keep the engagement state between the projection portion and the through hole.
 19. The portable screen assembly according to claim 14, wherein the tubular engaging portion comprises a spring member that biases the projection portion so as to be pressed to the engaged portion in an engaged state. 